Threaded adjustable-height inserts and related methods

ABSTRACT

A threaded adjustable-height insert may be installed in a bore of a sandwich panel, such that the insert may be configured to transfer a load to the sandwich panel. The threaded adjustable-height insert may include a first insert part and a second insert part that may be selectively operatively positioned with respect to each other. The overall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert may be adjusted by longitudinally sliding the second insert part with respect to the first insert part and rotating the second insert part with respect to the first insert part. Presently disclosed threaded adjustable-height inserts may be configured for flush installation in a sandwich panel. Methods of installing such threaded adjustable-height inserts and adjusting the height of the same are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/090,146, which is entitled“THREADED ADJUSTABLE-HEIGHT INSERTS AND RELATED METHODS,” which wasfiled on Apr. 4, 2016, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,976,583 on May22, 2018, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to threaded adjustable-height inserts andrelated methods.

BACKGROUND

Sandwich panels (e.g., a core sandwiched between two layers of material,or skins) are often used in the construction of aircraft, because theyhave high strength-to-weight ratios. Depending on the specific locationand application of a sandwich panel in an aircraft, one or more roundinserts may be required to be inserted within or through a sandwichpanel in order to affix one or more other structures or fasteners to thepanel. Round inserts may be used to transfer localized loads (e.g., viaa pin, bolt, screw, joint, or other structure) to the sandwich panel,such as to fasten the sandwich panel to another structure, join multiplesandwich panels to each other, and/or attach one or more externalobjects to the sandwich panel. For example, round inserts may provide achannel for wire bundles to be passed from one side of the sandwichpanel to the other, or round inserts may be configured to receive a pinor bolt or other fastener in order to secure another panel or object tothe sandwich panel, via the round insert. In the aerospace industry,such sandwich panels and round inserts may be used to assemble theinterior main structure and/or secondary structures of the aircraft,and/or may be used to form floor boards, wall panels, galleys, stowbins, overhead compartments, lavatories, and/or other structures withinthe aircraft. Such sandwich panels and round inserts are also used inother industries.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional round insert 10 installed in asandwich panel 11, shown schematically in cross-section. Sandwich panel11 may include a core 13 sandwiched between a first skin 15 and a secondskin 17. First skin 15 and second skin 17 may be rigid or semi-rigidskins, and are typically relatively thin compared to core 13, which istypically formed of a lightweight material. Conventional round insert 10may be inserted into a circular bore 19 formed in sandwich panel 11,which may be a blind bore 21 (FIG. 1) or a through-bore 23 (FIG. 2).Blind bore 21 may extend through one of the skins (e.g., first skin 15,as shown in FIG. 1) and into the core 13, towards the other skin (e.g.,second skin 17), whereas through-bore 23 may extend entirely throughfirst skin 15, second skin 17, and core 13. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, aflange portion 27 of conventional round insert 10 may be substantiallyflush with one of more of first skin 15 and second skin 17, or, as shownin FIG. 3, flange portion 27 of conventional round insert 10 may lay ontop of (e.g., on an outer surface of) first skin 15 or second skin 17.

In conventional techniques, an adhesive material, such as a pottingcompound or epoxy, is injected through potting holes, or vents, inconventional round insert 10 to fill a gap or space 29 betweenconventional round insert 10 and core 13 of sandwich panel 11. Theadhesive material, once fully cured, serves to secure the insert inplace within circular bore 19 of sandwich panel 11, and is designed toprevent relative movement of conventional round insert 10 with respectto sandwich panel 11 and retain conventional round insert 10 withincircular bore 19 (e.g., resisting pull-out, rotation, and lateralmovement of conventional round insert 10) once the adhesive compounddries, solidifies, and/or cures.

However, due to variations in sizes of sandwich panels and depths ofbores, dozens of different sizes of conventional inserts are needed.Often, the incorrect size insert may be installed into a given bore, dueto selecting the wrong insert, and/or inaccurately determining theneeded size. For example, in situations where only one side of thesandwich panel is accessible, measuring the thickness of the sandwichpanel to determine the correct insert size may be difficult. Installingthe wrong insert may result in significant scrap and/or rework costs.Furthermore, due to the large number of inserts that may need to beinstalled in a given sandwich panel or apparatus, shortages ofparticular sizes are common during manufacturing, due to inaccuracies.Prior art solutions have included inserts having an adjustable height,however these prior art inserts include a flange (such as flange portion27 shown in FIG. 3) that sits on the surface of the sandwich panel, suchthat the insert is not flush with the panel. While these prior artinserts may address some issues in the field, they are not suitable forapplications requiring a flush installation. Such issues withconventional inserts and methods of installing the same within asandwich panel are on-going and problematic in a variety of industries.

SUMMARY

Presently disclosed threaded adjustable-height inserts and relatedmethods (e.g., methods of installing one or more such inserts in asandwich panel and adjusting the height of the threadedadjustable-height insert) may address one or more issues withconventional inserts and related methods. For example, one example of athreaded adjustable-height insert according to the present disclosuremay include a first insert part and a second insert part. The firstinsert part may include a first flange having a first upper surface anda first lower surface, a first neck extending from the first uppersurface of the first flange to a first neck end region, and a first holeextending at least through the first neck and defined at least partiallyby a first inner surface of the first neck. The first neck also mayinclude a first outer surface opposite the first inner surface. Thesecond insert part may include a second flange having a second uppersurface and a second lower surface, a second neck extending from thesecond lower surface of the second flange to a second neck end region,and a second hole extending through the second neck and the secondflange, wherein the second hole is partially defined by a second innersurface of the second neck.

The second insert part may be configured to be selectively operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part such that the secondinner surface of the second neck has a threaded engagement with at leasta portion of the first neck. The adjustable-height insert may beconfigured to have a selectively adjustable overall height such thatmoving the second insert part with respect to the first insert part suchthat the second flange is moved towards the first flange reduces theoverall height of the adjustable-height insert. Further, the first holeand the second hole may be at least substantially concentric when thesecond insert part is operatively positioned with respect to the firstinsert part. The first insert part and the second insert part may beslidably translatable and rotatable relative to each other. Contrary toprior art inserts, presently disclosed adjustable-height inserts may beconfigured for flush installations without requiring access to bothsides of the sandwich panel.

Such threaded adjustable-height inserts may be configured to beinstalled in a bore of a sandwich panel according to presently disclosedmethods. The sandwich panel may include a first skin, a second skinopposite the first skin, and a core therebetween. Methods of installinga threaded adjustable-height insert into a respective bore of a sandwichpanel may include installing the threaded adjustable-height insert suchthat at least a portion of the first neck and at least a portion of thesecond neck of the threaded adjustable-height insert are positionedwithin the respective bore in a core of the sandwich panel, andadjusting the height of the threaded adjustable-height insert until thesecond upper surface of the second flange is at least substantiallyflush with the sandwich panel. The height of the threadedadjustable-height insert may be adjusted, for example, by moving thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part, such that thesecond flange is moved towards the first flange, wherein the adjustingthe height may include longitudinally sliding the second insert partwith respect to the first insert part and rotating the first insert partwith respect to the second insert part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-section view of a prior art insertpositioned within a blind bore formed in a sandwich panel, the insertbeing flush with the sandwich panel skin.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-section view of a prior art insertpositioned within a through-bore formed in a sandwich panel, the insertbeing flush with the sandwich panel skin.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-section view of a prior art insertpositioned with respect to a sandwich panel.

FIG. 4 is a perspective, schematic view of illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples of an apparatus that may include one or more sandwich panelsincluding one or more threaded adjustable-height inserts according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of illustrative, non-exclusive examples ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts according to the present disclosure,positioned within a bore of a sandwich panel.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a threaded adjustable-height insertaccording to the present disclosure, in a configuration having a maximumoverall height.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the threaded adjustable-height insert ofFIG. 6, in a configuration having a minimum overall height.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first insert part of a threadedadjustable-height insert according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second insert part of a threadedadjustable-height insert according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the second insert part of FIG. 9operatively positioned with respect to the first insert part of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example of a first insert partof a threaded adjustable-height insert according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view of the first insert part of FIG. 11,taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example of a second insert partof a threaded adjustable-height insert according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of the second insert part of FIG. 13,taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 a schematic view of illustrative, non-exclusive examples ofsystems of threaded adjustable-height inserts according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flow chart diagram, representing methods ofinstalling and adjusting the height of one or more threadedadjustable-height inserts, according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 4, one or more threaded adjustable-height inserts50 according to the present disclosure may be installed in one or moresandwich panels 12 (which may be of similar construction to sandwichpanel 11 from FIGS. 1-3). For example, such sandwich panels 12 includingone or more adjustable-height inserts 50 may be useful in the aerospace,automotive, electronic, construction, military, recreation, and/ormotorsport industries. In FIG. 4, an example of an apparatus 28 that mayinclude one or more sandwich panels 12 and adjustable-height inserts 50generally is illustrated in the form of an aircraft 30. Aircraft 30 maytake any suitable form, including commercial aircraft, militaryaircraft, or any other suitable aircraft. While FIG. 4 illustrates anaircraft 30 in the form of a fixed wing aircraft, other types andconfigurations of aircraft are within the scope of aircraft 30 accordingto the present disclosure, including (but not limited to) rotorcraft andhelicopters.

Apparatus 28 (e.g., aircraft 30) may include one or more structures 32formed from one or more sandwich panels 12, one or more of which may becomposite panels. As shown in FIG. 5, each sandwich panel 12 includes acore 14 formed of a relatively lightweight material, such as a pluralityof elongate cells, typically having hexagonal or rectangularcross-sections. Such cores 14 may be referred to as honeycomb cores, butother shapes and configurations also may be used, such as a corrugatedstructure and/or foam materials. Core 14 may include an open-cellstructure and/or a closed-cell structure. Core 14 may be formed of, forexample, foam, aluminum, Nomex® (aramid), carbon, Korex, Kevlar®,fiberglass, polyethersulfone, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane,polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, balsa wood, syntactic foam, ahoneycomb structure, a polymer honeycomb, a thermoplastic honeycomb,stainless steel, polycarbonate, and/or polypropylene.

Sandwich panels 12 include at least two skins, first skin 16 beingpositioned on one side of core 14 and second skin 18 being positioned onanother (opposing) side of core 14, arranged to form a three-layersandwich structure. First skin 16 includes a first outer panel surface31 and a first inner panel surface 33 opposite first outer panel surface31. Second skin 18 includes a second outer panel surface 35 and a secondinner panel surface 37 opposite second outer panel surface 35. Core 14generally extends between first inner panel surface 33 and second innerpanel surface 37, while first outer panel surface 31 and second outerpanel surface 35 form the outer surfaces of sandwich panel 12. The panelskins (e.g., first skin 16 and second skin 18) are typically rigid, withcore 14 spanning between the skins. First skin 16 and second skin 18 maybe formed of, for example, a laminate of fiberglass-reinforced polymer,a laminate of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, a thermoset polymer, anepoxy, sheet metal, carbon, aramid, aluminum, steel, plywood, balsa,teak, and/or hardwood. First skin 16 and second skin 18 may be formed ofthe same material(s) in some examples, or may be formed of differentmaterials in other examples.

Again with reference to FIG. 4, structures 32 may include one or moresandwich panels 12, joints formed between two or more sandwich panels12, and/or three-dimensional structures formed using one or moresandwich panels 12. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, structures32 may be utilized in such aircraft structures as wings 34, fuselages36, horizontal stabilizers 38, overhead storage bins 40, verticalstabilizers 42, and engine housings 44; however, other components ofaircraft 30 additionally or alternatively may include structures 32 suchas sandwich panels 12 and/or joints formed between two or more sandwichpanels 12. Other applications in aircraft 30 for sandwich panels 12including one or more adjustable-height inserts 50 according to thepresent disclosure include floor panels, interior walls, food handlinggalley assemblies, wing control surfaces, passenger storage racks,thrust deflector assemblies, capsule panels, ablative shields for nosecones, instrumentation enclosures and shelves, and bulkhead panels. Inother industries, examples of apparatus 28 (including one or moresandwich panels 12 and adjustable-height inserts 50) may include or be aportion of space satellites, electronic radome construction, transitvehicles, shipping containers, shelters, large antennae or diskreflectors, refrigeration panels, rapid transit floor panels, shipboardelectronic deck shelters, cargo pallets, automobile bodies,architectural curtain walls, partitions, divider panels, expandablehospital shelters, and/or interior structures of an assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 5, examples of threaded adjustable-height inserts 50are schematically represented, shown having been installed within a bore20 of sandwich panel 12. Generally, in the figures, elements that arelikely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines,while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated inbroken lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines arenot essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an elementshown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Generally, threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be a two partinsert, having a first insert part 52 and a second insert part 54.Second insert part 54 may be configured to be selectively operativelypositioned with respect to first insert part 52 and installed withinbore 20 of sandwich panel 12. An overall height 56 of threadedadjustable-height insert 50 may be selectively adjusted, such as bymoving second insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52, aswill be explained in more detail below. In this manner, the height 56 ofthreaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be selectively adjusted so thatthreaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be installed such that it is atleast substantially flush with an outer surface of sandwich panel 12(e.g., first outer panel surface 31 or second outer panel surface 35).

First insert part 52 may include a first flange 58 having a first uppersurface 60 and a first lower surface 62, a first neck 64, and a firsthole 66 extending at least through first neck 64. First neck 64 extendsfrom first upper surface 60 of first flange 58 to a first neck endregion 67. First hole 66 may be at least partially defined by a firstinner surface 68 of first neck 64. In some examples, first hole 66 mayextend all the way through first insert part 52, extending through firstflange 58 in addition to first neck 64. In some examples, first hole 66may extend only partially through first neck 64 or only partiallythrough first flange 58.

Second insert part 54 may include a second flange 72 having a secondupper surface 74 and a second lower surface 76, a second neck 78, and asecond hole 80 extending through second neck 78 and second flange 72.Second neck 78 extends from second lower surface 76 of second flange 72to a second neck end region 81. Second hole 80 may be at least partiallydefined by a second inner surface 84 of second neck 78 and a third innersurface 82 of second flange 72. As shown in FIG. 5, second hole 80 mayhave a smaller diameter at a first portion 86 extending through secondflange 72, and a larger diameter at a second portion 88 extendingthrough second neck 78. First portion 86 of second hole 80 may havesubstantially the same dimensions as first hole 66, whereas secondportion 88 of second hole 80 may have an inner diameter that isapproximately equal to or slightly bigger than the outer diameter offirst neck 64. Thus, second insert part 54 may be configured to beselectively operatively positioned with respect to first insert part 52such that second inner surface 84 of second neck 78 engages a firstouter surface 90 of first neck 64.

For example, threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be configured suchthat there is a threaded engagement between at least a portion of secondinner surface 84 of second neck 78 and at least a portion of first neck64 (e.g., first outer surface 90 of first neck 64). In thisconfiguration (e.g., when second insert part 54 is operativelypositioned with respect to first insert part 52), threadedadjustable-height insert 50 may be configured such that first hole 66and second hole 80 are at least substantially concentric. In thismanner, a secondary object 92, such as a bolt or other fastener, may beinserted through threaded adjustable-height insert 50 (e.g., throughsecond hole 80 and into and/or through first hole 66). Such secondaryobjects 92 may be useful for securing hardware or other structures tosandwich panel 12, transferring loads to sandwich panel 12, securingitems to sandwich panel 12, and/or passing objects from one side ofsandwich panel 12 to the other (e.g., from first skin 16 to second skin18).

Overall height 56 of threaded adjustable-height insert 50 (defined asthe perpendicular distance between second upper surface 74 of secondflange 72 and first lower surface 62 of first flange 58) may beselectively adjustable by moving second insert part 54 with respect tofirst insert part 52. For example, moving second insert part 54 suchthat second flange 72 is moved towards first flange 58 reduces overallheight 56 of threaded adjustable-height insert 50. In some examples,second insert part 54 may be slid longitudinally (e.g., in directionsindicated by arrow 93) such that second neck 78 travels longitudinallyalong and with respect to first neck 64 (e.g., a force may be applied tosecond insert part 54), and such that second flange 72 is moved towardsfirst flange 58 and the height of threaded adjustable-height insert 50is reduced. In other words, first insert part 52 and second insert part54 may be slidably translatable with respect to one another.

First insert part 52 and second insert part 54 also may be rotatablerelative to each other. For example, radial movement of (e.g., rotationof) second insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52, beforeor after threaded adjustable-height insert 50 is at least partiallyinserted into bore 20 may also be used to adjust overall height 56 ofthreaded adjustable-height insert 50. In some examples, selectivelyrotating second insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52 in afirst direction may reduce the overall height of threadedadjustable-height insert 50, and selectively rotating second insert part54 with respect to first insert part 52 in a second direction oppositethe first direction may increase the overall height of threadedadjustable-height insert 50. Additionally or alternatively, overallheight 56 of threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be adjustable byexpanding a portion of second insert part 54, such that a portion ofsecond insert part 54 may temporarily radially expand and be ratchetedover features of first insert part 52 in order to adjust overall height56.

In some examples, first insert part 52 may include a first threadedportion 104. For example, first outer surface 90 of first neck 64 mayinclude first threaded portion 104. In some examples, first threadedportion 104 may extend along substantially the entire length of firstneck 64, such as substantially from first upper surface 60 of firstflange 58 to first neck end region 67. In some examples, first threadedportion 104 may extend along only a portion of first neck 64. In someexamples, first threaded portion 104 may have a double threaded pitch.Additionally or alternatively, first threaded portion 104 may be anexternal thread. Second insert part 54 may include a second threadedportion 106. For example, second inner surface 84 of second neck 78 mayinclude second threaded portion 106. In some examples, second threadedportion 106 may extend along substantially the entire length of secondneck 78, such as substantially from second lower surface 76 of secondflange 72 to second neck end region 81. In some examples, secondthreaded portion 106 may extend along only a portion of second neck 78.In some examples, second threaded portion 106 may have a double threadedpitch. Additionally or alternatively, second threaded portion 106 may bean internal thread.

In some examples, threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may includethread engagement clips that are configured to engage a threadedportion. For example, first insert part 52 may include one or more firstthread engagement clips 108 that are configured to engage secondthreaded portion 106 of second insert part 54 such that rotation ofsecond insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52 causes firstengagement clips 108 to travel along second threaded portion 106. One ormore first thread engagement clips 108 may be positioned to extendradially outwardly from (e.g., project outwardly from) first outersurface 90 of first neck 64, and engage with second inner surface 84 ofsecond neck 78 (e.g., with second threaded portion 106). First threadengagement clips 108 may be spaced apart, such as substantiallyequidistantly, about first outer surface 90 of first neck 64. Firstthread engagement clips 108 may be positioned adjacent first neck endregion 67, as indicated in FIG. 5. Each first thread engagement clip 108may be a partial thread in some examples.

Similarly, second insert part 54 may include one or more second threadengagement clips 110 that are configured to engage first threadedportion 104 of first insert part 52 such that rotation of second insertpart 54 with respect to first insert part 52 causes second threadengagement clips 110 to travel along first threaded portion 104. One ormore second thread engagement clips 110 may be positioned to extendradially inwardly from (e.g., project inwardly from) second innersurface 84 of second neck 78, and engage with first outer surface 90 offirst neck 64 (e.g., with first threaded portion 104). Second threadengagement clips 110 may be spaced apart, such as substantiallyequidistantly, about second inner surface 84 of second neck 78. Secondthread engagement clips 110 may be positioned adjacent second neck endregion 81, as indicated in FIG. 5. Each second thread engagement clip110 may be a partial thread in some examples.

Second neck 78 of second insert part 54 may include one or morelongitudinally-extending slots 112 in some examples. In some examples,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may extend through the entirethickness of second neck 78 (e.g., from second inner surface 84 to asecond outer surface 100). In some examples, longitudinally-extendingslots 112 may extend through just a portion of the thickness of secondneck 78. For example, longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be formedin second inner surface 84 of second neck 78. In some examples,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may extend longitudinally from secondneck end region 81 of second neck 78 towards second flange 72, along atleast a portion of the length of second neck 78. In some examples,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may extend longitudinally from secondneck end region 81 of second neck 78 to adjacent second flange 72. Insome examples, two longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be formed, butother examples may include more or fewer longitudinally-extending slots112.

Longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be configured to allow radialexpansion of at least a portion of second neck 78. For example,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be spaced relative to one anotherso as to form one or more pairs of longitudinally-extending slots 112,such that a radially-expandable tab 114 is formed between eachrespective adjacent pair of longitudinally-extending slots 112. Eachradially-expandable tab 114 may include a respective second threadengagement clip 110 positioned on the respective portion of second innersurface 84 of second neck 78 corresponding to each radially-expandabletab 114. In these examples, second insert part 54 may be configured tobe operatively positioned with respect to first insert part 52 byradially expanding each of the one or more radially-expandable tabs 114such that second thread engagement clips 110 are longitudinally passedover one or more threads of first threaded portion 104 of first insertpart 52, when second insert part 54 is longitudinally moved with respectto first insert part 52. Thus, second insert part 54 may be configuredto be longitudinally moved with respect to first insert part 52 byradially expanding radially-expandable tabs 114 and ratcheting secondthread engagement clips 110 along first threaded portion 104. Secondengagement clips 110 may be configured to grip first threaded portion104 of first insert part 52 when second insert part 54 is operativelypositioned with respect to first insert part 52.

In some examples, longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be formed insecond threaded portion 106 of second inner surface 84 of second neck78, such that second threaded portion 106 may be discontinuous at eachof the longitudinally-extending slots 112. Each longitudinally-extendingslot 112 may be configured to receive a respective first threadengagement clip 108 positioned on first outer surface 90 of first neck64 of first insert part 52, such that each first thread engagement clip108 may be configured to slide longitudinally along a respectivelongitudinally-extending slot 112 when second insert part 54 isoperatively positioned with respect to first insert part 52.

In some threaded adjustable-height inserts 50, first neck 64 of firstinsert part 52 may include one or more longitudinally-extending channels116. Longitudinally-extending channels 116 may extend from first neckend region 67 of first neck 64 of first insert part 52 towards firstflange 58 of first insert part 52. Longitudinally-extending channels 116may be formed radially outward from first inner surface 68 of first neck64 of first insert part 52 and may be spaced apart from one another,substantially equidistantly, about first inner surface 68 of first neck64. In some examples, two longitudinally-extending channels 116 may beformed, but other examples may include more or fewerlongitudinally-extending channels 116. Longitudinally-extending channels116 may be staggered with respect to one or more first thread engagementclips 108 positioned on first outer surface 90 of first neck 64. Suchlongitudinally-extending channels 116 may be configured to engage a toolthat is configured to substantially prevent rotation of first insertpart 52 as second insert part 54 is rotated with respect to first insertpart 52, when second insert part 54 is operatively positioned withrespect to first insert part 52. For example, longitudinally-extendingchannels 116 may be accessible via second hole 80 of second insert part54 and first hole 66 of first insert part 52 when second insert part 54is operatively positioned with respect to first insert part 52, suchthat the tool may be inserted into second hole 80 and first hole 66 andsuch that the tool may engage longitudinally-extending channels 116 andthereby resist rotation of first insert part 52 with respect to bore 20as second insert part 54 is rotated with respect to bore 20.

Threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be adjustable without requiringaccess to both sides of the insert (e.g., height 56 of threadedadjustable-height insert 50 may be adjustable from just one side ofsandwich panel 12, such as adjacent first skin 16 and second flange 72,without requiring access to second skin 18 or first flange 58). This maybe advantageous in applications where only one side of sandwich panel 12is accessible and/or when the correct insert size is difficult toascertain.

Overall height 56 of threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may beselectively adjusted by longitudinally translating second insert part 54with respect to first insert part 52 along arrow 93, and/or by rotatingsecond insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52. Threadedadjustable-height insert 50 may be configured such that overall height56 may be adjustable until second upper surface 74 of second flange 72is at least substantially flush with either first skin 16 or second skin18 of sandwich panel 12, when second insert part 54 is operativelypositioned with respect to first insert part 52 and threadedadjustable-height insert 50 is installed in bore 20 of sandwich panel12. As used herein, a surface is “substantially flush” with anothersurface when the two surfaces are at least substantially level or inalignment with each other. For example, a flush installation of threadedadjustable-height insert 50 would be an installation where second uppersurface 74 of second flange 72 (e.g., the outer surface of second flange72) is at least substantially flush with (e.g., substantially levelwith) the outer surface of a skin of sandwich panel 12 when the insertis installed in the sandwich panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,threaded adjustable-height insert 50 is configured such that secondupper surface 74 of second flange 72 is substantially flush with firstskin 16 when threaded adjustable-height insert 50 is installed withinbore 20 because second upper surface 74 of second flange 72 issubstantially level with first outer panel surface 31 of first skin 16.The diameter of second flange 72 adjacent second upper surface 74 may beapproximately equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of thebore, to facilitate such flush installation.

Additionally, first lower surface 62 of first flange 58 may besubstantially flush with second skin 18 when threaded adjustable-heightinsert 50 is installed within bore 20. In other words, first lowersurface 62 of first flange 58 may be at least substantially level withsecond outer panel surface 35, as shown. In some examples, a majority ofthe adjustment of overall height 56 may be performed by longitudinallysliding second insert part 54 with respect to first insert part 52(e.g., overall height 56 may be primarily (e.g., coarsely) adjusted bylongitudinally sliding second insert part 54 with respect to firstinsert part 52). Rotation of second insert part 54 with respect to firstinsert part 52 may be configured for fine adjustment of overall height56 of threaded adjustable-height insert 50. Threaded adjustable-heightinsert 50 may be configured to at least substantially maintain itsoverall height, once adjusted such that second upper surface 74 ofsecond flange 72 is at least substantially flush with sandwich panel 12(e.g., first outer panel surface 31) when second insert part 54 isoperatively positioned with respect to first insert part 52 and threadedadjustable-height insert 50 is installed in bore 20.

In some examples, threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may include oneor more anti-rotation features 96 that are configured to resist rotationof threaded adjustable-height insert 50 with respect to sandwich panel12 once threaded adjustable-height insert 50 is fully inserted intosandwich panel 12. For example, anti-rotation feature 96 may include atextured surface that may engage with a potting compound or otheradhesive injected into a space 98 within bore 20, space 98 being definedbetween bore 20 and threaded adjustable-height insert 50. For example,anti-rotation feature 96 may include a textured surface of second outersurface 100 of second neck 78 (e.g., second outer surface 100 of secondneck 78 may be textured and/or have a textured coating deposited thereonor adhered thereto, which may function as anti-rotation feature 96).Some or all of second outer surface 100 of second neck 78 may betextured. In some examples, anti-rotation feature 96 may includetextured surfaces on other portions of threaded adjustable-height insert50, such as on first flange 58, first neck 64, and/or second flange 72.Anti-rotation feature 96 may include any structure or component ofthreaded adjustable-height insert 50 that is configured to resistrotation of threaded adjustable-height insert 50 with respect tosandwich panel 12, once threaded adjustable-height insert 50 isinstalled in bore 20.

In addition to or instead of second outer surface 100 being textured,anti-rotation feature 96 may include a plurality of radially-extendingprojections 94 extending from first flange 58, such as adjacent firstlower surface 62 of first flange 58. For example, radially-extendingprojections 94 may be spaced apart about a peripheral edge region 95 offirst flange 58 (e.g., radially-extending projections 94 may be spacedapart, about the circumference of first flange 58, adjacent first lowersurface 62, in some examples). Threaded adjustable-height inserts 50 mayinclude any suitable number of radially-extending projections 94, suchas at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at leastfive, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, atleast 10, at least 12, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, and/or atleast 50 radially-extending projections 94. Radially-extendingprojections 94 may be localized extensions that radially extend fartherfrom first hole 66 than the rest of first flange 58. Radially-extendingprojections 94 may be formed integrally with first flange 58, or may besecured or coupled to first flange 58. In some examples,radially-extending projections 94 may be formed of the same material asfirst flange 58. In other examples, radially-extending projections 94may be formed of a different material than first flange 58. In someexamples, each of the radially-extending projections 94 may extend froma circumferential surface 102 of first flange 58, and may besmall-teeth-like projections designed to grip and engage core 14 and/ora skin of sandwich panel 12 (e.g., second skin 18 in FIG. 5), such thatradially-extending projections 94 may be configured to resist rotationof first insert part 52 with respect to bore 20, as second insert part54 is rotated with respect to first insert part 52.

In use, threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may be configured such thatthe overall height 56 of the insert is selectively adjustable once firstinsert part 52 and second insert part 54 are at least partially insertedinto bore 20 of sandwich panel 12. For example, in the case of a blindbore, first insert part 52 may be placed into bore 20 of sandwich panel12 and positioned within bore 20 such that first flange 58 is positionedadjacent a base of bore 20, such that first neck 64 extends away fromthe base and into bore 20 from within the bore. In the case of a throughbore as shown in FIG. 5, first insert part 52 may be placed into bore 20of sandwich panel 12 and positioned within bore 20 such that firstflange 58 is positioned adjacent one of the panel skins (e.g., adjacentsecond skin 18) and such that first neck 64 extends away from the skinand into bore 20, towards the other panel skin (e.g., first neck 64 mayextend away from second skin 18 and into bore 20, towards first skin 16,or vice versa).

Second insert part 54 may be operatively positioned with respect tofirst insert part 52. Such operative positioning of second insert part54 with respect to first insert part 52 may be performed before or afterfirst insert part 52 is positioned within bore 20. In some examples,second insert part 54 may be operatively positioned with respect tofirst insert part 52 such that second neck 78 is placed around firstneck 64 (e.g., second inner surface 84 of second neck 78 may bepositioned adjacent and engaged with first outer surface 90 of firstneck 64). As shown in FIG. 5, second insert part 54 may be oriented suchthat second neck 78 is positioned between first flange 58 of firstinsert part 52 and second flange 72 of second insert part 54, and suchthat second neck 78 extends into bore 20, (e.g., towards a base of bore20, and/or towards second skin 18, as shown in FIG. 5).

Height 56 of threaded adjustable-height insert may be adjustable betweena maximum height and a minimum height. The difference between suchmaximum and minimum heights may be at least 0.05 inches (in) (1.27millimeters (mm)), at least 0.10 in (2.54 mm), at least 0.15 in (3.81mm), at least 0.20 in (5.08 mm), at least 0.30 in (7.62 mm), at least0.40 in (10.16 mm), at least 0.5 in (12.7 mm), at least 0.6 in (15.24mm), at least 0.7 in (17.78 mm), at least 0.8 in (20.32 mm), at least0.9 in (22.86 mm), and/or at least 1.0 in (25.4 mm). In some examples,the difference between the minimum height and the maximum height is atleast 10% of the maximum height, at least 15% of the maximum height, atleast 20% of the maximum height, at least 25% of the maximum height, atleast 30% of the maximum height, at least 35% of the maximum height, atleast 40% of the maximum height, at least 45% of the maximum height,and/or at least 50% of the maximum height.

First insert part 52 and second insert part 54 may be made of anysuitable material. In some examples, first insert part 52 and/or secondinsert part 54 may be polymeric. In some examples, first insert part 52and/or second insert part 54 may be metallic. Advantageously, someexamples of threaded adjustable-height inserts 50 may be configured tobe installed in a sandwich panel 12 and adjusted for a flushinstallation, without requiring the use of tools.

Sandwich panel 12 may include a plurality of bores 20 spaced apart fromeach other. In some examples, at least one bore 20 may be formed throughfirst skin 16 and at least a portion of core 14. Additionally oralternatively, at least one bore 20 may be formed through second skin 18and at least a portion of core 14. In some examples, at least one bore20 may be a blind bore, such that the bore does not extend all the waythrough sandwich panel 12 (e.g., bore 20 may be formed through firstskin 16 and extend towards second skin 18, through a portion of core14). Additionally or alternatively at least one bore 20 may be a throughbore, extending through both first skin 16, second skin 18, and all theway through core 14. In some examples, a given sandwich panel 12 mayinclude a plurality of bores 20 of different depths. Thus, a pluralityof threaded adjustable-height inserts 50 may be provided, such that adifferent respective threaded adjustable-height insert 50 may beinstalled in each respective bore 20. Due to the adjustable nature ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts 50, the same size threadedadjustable-height insert 50 may be usable in a plurality of differentbore depths and adjusted according to the height of the respective bore20 in which the respective threaded adjustable-height insert 50 isplaced. In some examples, a system may include a plurality of sizes ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts 50, where a relatively small numberof sizes of threaded adjustable-height inserts 50 may replace a muchlarger number of sizes of conventional inserts.

One or more bores 20 may be at least substantially cylindrical in someexamples (e.g., one or more bores 20 may have a substantially circularcross-sectional area). Additionally or alternatively, one or more bores20 may have other cross-sectional areas, such as oval, elliptical,rectangular, triangular, polygonal, and/or irregularly shapedcross-sectional areas. An adhesive, such as potting compound, quick-curecompound, and/or UV-cure compound may be inserted (e.g., injected)between core 14 and threaded adjustable-height insert 50 (e.g., intospace 98 between core 14 and threaded adjustable-height insert 50), oncethreaded adjustable-height insert 50 is positioned within bore 20. Forexample, a potting compound may be injected through one or more vents118 (seen in FIG. 10), such that potting compound is inserted into space98, adjacent second neck 78 of second insert part 54. Such pottingcompound may cure, thereby further securing threaded adjustable-heightinsert 50 in place within bore 20, such as by interacting withanti-rotation feature 96 in the form of a textured surface on secondouter surface 100 of second neck 78.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-14, illustrative non-exclusive examples ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts 50 and components or portions thereofare illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from theschematic illustration of FIG. 5 are used to designate correspondingparts of the examples of FIGS. 6-14; however, the examples of FIGS. 6-14are non-exclusive and do not limit threaded adjustable-height inserts tothe illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 6-14. That is, threadedadjustable-height inserts 50 are not limited to the specific embodimentsof FIGS. 6-14, and may incorporate any number of the various aspects,configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of threadedadjustable-height inserts that are illustrated in and discussed withreference to the schematic representation of FIG. 5 and/or theembodiments of FIGS. 6-14, as well as variations thereof, withoutrequiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations,characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, eachpreviously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. orvariants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled againwith respect to the examples of FIGS. 6-14; however, it is within thescope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features,variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples of FIGS. 6-14.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a threaded adjustable-height insert 120, which isan example of threaded adjustable-height insert 50 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6shows threaded adjustable-height insert 120 in a configuration havingits maximum operative assembly height 122, which may be measured as theperpendicular distance between second upper surface 74 of second insertpart 54 and first lower surface 62 of first insert part 52, whenthreaded adjustable-height insert 120 is assembled (e.g., when secondinsert part 54 is operatively positioned with respect to first insertpart 52, as shown). The height of threaded adjustable-height insert 120may be adjusted, such as by moving second insert part 54 with respect tofirst insert part 52. For example, second insert part 54 may be movedsuch that second flange 72 is moved towards first flange 58, therebyreducing the height of threaded adjustable-height insert 120. In someexamples a force may be applied to second insert part 54, such as in thedirection indicated by arrow 124, thereby moving second flange 72 ofsecond insert part 54 towards first flange 58 of first insert part 52.

FIG. 7 shows threaded adjustable-height insert 120 in a configurationhaving its minimum operative assembly height 126 which may be measuredas the perpendicular distance between second upper surface 74 of secondinsert part 54 and first lower surface 62 of first insert part 52, whenthreaded adjustable-height insert 120 is assembled and the overallheight of threaded adjustable-height insert 120 has been reduced as muchas possible (e.g., second insert part 54 has been moved toward firstinsert part 52, along arrow 124 of FIG. 6). Threaded adjustable-heightinsert 120 may be selectively adjustable to any height between maximumoperative assembly height 122 of FIG. 6, and minimum operative assemblyheight 126 of FIG. 7, inclusive. In some examples, and as shown in FIG.7, second neck end region 81 of second neck 78 may engage with, be incontact with, and/or be positioned adjacent to first flange 58, in sucha minimum operative assembly height configuration. But in someembodiments, there may be a gap between second neck end region 81 andfirst flange 58, even in the minimum operative assembly heightconfiguration.

Now turning to FIGS. 8-10, FIG. 8 shows a first insert part 128 (whichis an example of first insert part 52), FIG. 9 shows a second insertpart 130 (which is an example of second insert part 54), and FIG. 10illustrates a threaded adjustable-height insert 132 (which is an exampleof threaded adjustable-height insert 50), with second insert part 130 ofFIG. 9 being operatively positioned with respect to first insert part128 of FIG. 8, in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 10, first hole 66 andsecond hole 80 may be at least substantially concentric, so as toreceive a secondary object (e.g., secondary object 92 of FIG. 5)therethrough. Second insert part 130 may be operatively positioned withrespect to first insert part 128 such that a portion of second innersurface 84 of second neck 78 (e.g., second thread engagement clips 110of second neck 78) is slidably engaged with a portion of first outersurface 90 of first neck 64 of first insert part 52. For example, secondthread engagement clips 110 may be longitudinally slid, or ratchetedalong, first threaded portion 104 of first neck 64, substantially alongarrow 124, to reduce the overall height of threaded adjustable-heightinsert 132.

As second thread engagement clips 110 are passed over each successivethread (e.g., over a first thread 134, a second thread 136, a thirdthread 138, and so on), radially-expandable tabs 114 (FIG. 9) mayradially expand slightly to allow second thread engagement clips 110 topass over each respective thread. Once second thread engagement clips110 are passed over a respective thread, radially-expandable tabs 114may be configured to radially contract, thereby positioning secondthread engagement clips 110 between a pair of adjacent threads, suchthat second thread engagement clips 110 grip first threaded portion 104.In this manner, first insert part 128 and second insert part 130 have aratcheting relationship, such that threaded adjustable-height insert 132is configured to maintain its overall height once adjusted (e.g., theengagement of second thread engagement clips 110 with first threadedportion 104 may be configured to resist increases to the overall height,or movement of second insert part 130 with respect to first insert part128 in the direction of arrow 140.

Rotation of second insert part 130 with respect to first insert part 128may cause second thread engagement clips 110 to travel radially alongfirst threaded portion 104. In this manner, second insert part 130 maybe threaded onto first insert part 128 by engaging second threadengagement clips 110 with first threaded portion 104 and rotating secondinsert part 130 with respect to first insert part 128. The overallheight of threaded adjustable-height insert 132 may be increased (e.g.,second flange 72 may be moved towards first flange 58 along arrow 124)by rotating second insert part 130 in one direction, and the overallheight of threaded adjustable-height insert 132 may be decreased (e.g.,second flange 72 may be moved away from first flange 58 along arrow 140)by rotating second insert part 130 in the opposite direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, second thread engagement clips 110 may be positionedbetween respective pairs of longitudinally-extending slots 112, suchthat when radially-expandable tabs 114 expand radially outward, so toodo second thread engagement clips 110. Second insert part 130 includestwo respective pairs of longitudinally-extending slots 112, therebydefining two radially-expandable tabs 114, each having a respectivesecond thread engagement clip 110, however, more or fewer of each arepossible in some examples. As shown in FIG. 9, longitudinally-extendingslots 112 may extend through the entire thickness of second neck 78,from second inner surface 84 to second outer surface 100.Longitudinally-extending slots 112 extend from second neck end region 81towards second flange 72, and second thread engagement clips 110 arepositioned on the portion of second inner surface 84 of second neck 78that corresponds to each radially-expandable tab 114.

Second outer surface 100 of second neck 78 may be textured so as toserve as an anti-rotation feature 96 when threaded adjustable-heightinsert 132 is installed within a sandwich panel and potting compound isinserted into the bore, but in some examples, second outer surface 100may be substantially un-textured. Additionally or alternatively, asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, first flange 58 of first insert part 128may include a plurality of radially-extending projections 94 which maybe configured to serve as an anti-rotation feature 96, such that firstinsert part 128 may be configured to resist rotation with respect to abore in which it is installed, as second insert part 130 is rotated withrespect to first insert part 128. Radially-extending projections 94 areshown positioned adjacent peripheral edge region 95 of first flange 58,but may be positioned anywhere on circumferential surface 102 of firstflange 58. Radially-extending projections 94 may be bigger or smaller,greater or fewer in number, and/or differently shaped than the exampleshown.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate components of an example of threadedadjustable-height insert 50 having first insert part 142 (FIGS. 11-12)and second insert part 144 (FIGS. 13-14). First insert part 142 is anexample of first insert part 52 and second insert part 144 is an exampleof second insert part 54. Second insert part 144 may be operativelypositioned with respect to first insert part 142 to form a threadedadjustable-height insert as will be described.

FIG. 11 illustrates first insert part 142 in perspective view, and FIG.12 shows first insert part 142 in cross-section. As shown in FIGS.11-12, first insert part 142 includes two first thread engagement clips108 positioned to extend radially outward from first outer surface 90 offirst neck 64. The example shown in FIGS. 11-12 includes two firstthread engagement clips 108, but more or fewer are possible in otherexamples. First thread engagement clips 108 may be spaced substantiallyequidistantly from each other, as shown. First thread engagement clips108 are positioned near first neck end region 67, and may be configuredto engage with second threaded portion 106 of second insert part 144 ofFIGS. 13-14.

First insert part 142 also includes two longitudinally-extendingchannels 116 formed in first inner surface 68 of first neck 64, and thatextend radially partially through the thickness of first neck 64.Longitudinally-extending channels 116 may extend longitudinally fromfirst neck end region 67 towards first flange 58, but may not extendalong the entire length of first neck 64 in some examples, as shown inFIG. 12. Longitudinally-extending channels 116 may be accessible viafirst hole 66, such that a tool may be inserted through first hole 66and engaged with longitudinally-extending channels 116 in order toresist rotation of first insert part 142 as second insert part 144 isrotated with respect to first insert part 142. First insert part 142includes two such longitudinally-extending channels 116, but more orfewer are possible in other examples. Longitudinally-extending channels116 may be spaced substantially equidistantly from each other, as shown.Additionally, longitudinally-extending channels 116 may be staggeredwith respect to first thread engagement clips 108 as shown (e.g., firstthread engagement clips 108 may alternate with longitudinally-extendingchannels 116 and be equidistantly spaced about the circumference offirst neck end region 67).

Second insert part 144 of FIGS. 13-14 includes second threaded portion106 in the form of internal threads formed within second inner surface84 of second neck 78. Two vents 118 are shown formed in second flange72, which may be configured for potting compound to be injectedtherethrough once second insert part 144 is installed within a bore of asandwich panel. Second outer surface 100 of second neck 78 may betextured to form an anti-rotation feature 96, such that the texturedsurface resists rotation of second insert part 144 with respect to thebore when potting compound is injected alongside the textured surfaceand engages with the surface and hardens. As best seen in FIG. 14,second threaded portion 106 may extend along substantially the entirelength of second neck 78, from second neck end region 81 to second lowersurface 76 of second flange 72.

Second threaded portion 106 may be discontinuous at one or morelocations, such as at longitudinally-extending slots 112 formed insecond threaded portion 106. As seen in FIG. 14,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may extend substantially along theentire length of second neck 78, from second neck end region 81 tosecond lower surface 76 of second flange 72. In other examples,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may extend only along a portion ofthe length of second neck 78. As shown in FIG. 13,longitudinally-extending slots 112 may be formed through only a portionof the thickness of second neck 78.

Longitudinally-extending slots 112 of second insert part 144 may beconfigured to receive first thread engagement clips 108 of first insertpart 142 of FIGS. 11-12. For example, second insert part 144 may beoperatively positioned with respect to first insert part 142 such thatlongitudinally-extending slots 112 are aligned with first threadengagement clips 108. As second insert part 144 is positioned such thatsecond inner surface 84 of second neck 78 is adjacent first outersurface 90 of first neck 64 of first insert part 142, first threadengagement clips 108 may be positioned within longitudinally-extendingslots 112. As so arranged, first thread engagement clips 108 maylongitudinally slide along longitudinally-extending slots 112 such thatsecond insert part 144 may be slidably longitudinally translated withrespect to first insert part 142. As longitudinally-extending slots 112are slid along first thread engagement clips 108, second flange 72 maybe moved towards first flange 58 such that the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert (e.g., the combination of first insertpart 142 and second insert part 144) may be adjusted.

First thread engagement clips 108 also may be configured to engage withsecond threaded portion 106 such that second insert part 144 may beradially moved (e.g., rotated) with respect to first insert part 142. Assecond insert part 144 is rotated with respect to first insert part 142,first thread engagement clips 108, which may be partial externalthreads, may engage with second threaded portion 106 and first threadengagement clips 108 may travel along the threads of second threadedportion 106 as second insert part 144 is rotated. As mentioned above, atool may be used to resist rotation of first insert part 142 withrespect to the bore in which the parts are inserted, while second insertpart 144 is rotated with respect to first insert part 142. Such tool maybe inserted through second hole 80 of second insert part 144 and intofirst hole 66 of first insert part 142.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic view of systems 200 of a plurality ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts according to the present disclosure.For example, systems 200 may include one or more first threadedadjustable-height inserts 202 (which are an example of threadedadjustable-height insert 50), and one or more second threadedadjustable-height inserts 204 (which are an example of threadedadjustable-height insert 50). Each first threaded adjustable-heightinsert 202 may be adjustable between a first maximum overall height anda first minimum overall height, when the respective second insert partis operatively positioned with respect to the respective first insertpart of first threaded adjustable-height insert 202. Similarly, eachsecond threaded adjustable-height insert 204 may be adjustable between asecond maximum overall height and a second minimum overall height whenthe respective second insert part is operatively positioned with respectto the respective first insert part of the second threadedadjustable-height insert 204.

The first minimum overall height and the second minimum overall heightmay be different from each other. For example, second threadedadjustable-height insert 204 may be a “bigger” size than first threadedadjustable-height insert 202 within system 200, such that the secondminimum overall height may be greater than the first minimum overallheight. In some examples, there may be some overlap between respectivesizes of inserts, such that, for example, the second minimum overallheight may be a height in between the first minimum overall height andthe first maximum overall height. Similarly, the second maximum overallheight may be greater than the first maximum overall height, such that arespective second threaded adjustable-height insert 204 may beadjustable to have a flush installation with a deeper bore than arespective first threaded adjustable-height insert 202. In some systems200, different sizes of threaded adjustable-height inserts mayadditionally or alternatively have different flange diameters, such thatthey may be configured for use with different diameter bores.

Each respective size of inserts within a given system 200 may have anadjustment range, defined as the difference between the minimum overallheight and maximum overall height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert. For example, first threaded adjustable-height inserts 202 mayhave a first adjustment range equal to the difference between the firstmaximum overall height and the first minimum overall height. Similarly,second threaded adjustable-height inserts 204 may have a secondadjustment range equal to the difference between the second maximumoverall height and the second minimum overall height. In some examples,the second adjustment range may be greater than the first adjustmentrange.

Systems 200 may include one or more third threaded adjustable-heightinserts 206 (which are an example of threaded adjustable-height insert50), having a third minimum overall height and a third maximum overallheight when the respective second insert part is operatively positionedwith respect to the respective first inserts part of third threadedadjustable-height insert 206. The third minimum overall height may bedifferent from the first minimum overall height of first threadedadjustable-height inserts 202 and/or different from the second minimumoverall height of second threaded adjustable-height inserts 204.Additionally or alternatively, the third maximum overall height may bedifferent from the first maximum overall height of first threadedadjustable-height inserts 202 and/or different from the second maximumoverall height of second threaded adjustable-height inserts 204. In someexamples, the third minimum overall height may be greater than the firstminimum overall height, greater than the second minimum overall height,and/or less than the second maximum overall height. Additionally oralternatively, the third maximum overall height may be greater than thesecond maximum overall height and the first maximum overall height.

Systems 200 may include any number of inserts and any number of sizes ofinserts. Generally, however, systems 200 may include a smaller number ofsizes of threaded adjustable-height inserts than would be required usingconventional inserts for the same collection of respective bores. Forexample, if a given sandwich panel includes bores of ten different sizesrequiring ten different sizes of conventional inserts, presentlydisclosed threaded adjustable-height inserts may be suitable for thoseten different bores using just one or two sizes of threadedadjustable-height inserts according to the present disclosure. Thisratio of the number of required sizes is provided for example purposesonly, and is not limiting in any way.

FIG. 16 schematically provides a flowchart that represents illustrative,non-exclusive examples of methods 300 according to the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 16, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxesindicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to anoptional version of a method according to the present disclosure. Thatsaid, not all methods according to the present disclosure are requiredto include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. The methods and stepsillustrated in FIG. 16 are not limiting and other methods and steps arewithin the scope of the present disclosure, including methods havinggreater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, asunderstood from the discussions herein.

As shown in FIG. 16, methods 300 according to the present disclosure maygenerally include providing a threaded adjustable-height insert (e.g.,threaded adjustable-height insert 50) at 301, installing the threadedadjustable-height insert into a sandwich panel (e.g., into bore 20 ofsandwich panel 12) at 303, such as by operatively positioning a secondinsert part (e.g., second insert part 54) with respect to a first insertpart (e.g., first insert part 52) at 302, and/or adjusting the height ofthe threaded adjustable-height insert at 304. In some methods 300,installing the threaded adjustable-height insert at 303 may includeinstalling a plurality of respective threaded adjustable-height insertsinto a plurality of respective bores formed in one or more sandwichpanels. Some methods may include installing a respective first insertpart in a respective bore at 306 such that at least a portion of a firstneck (e.g., first neck 64) of the first insert part is positioned withinthe bore. Such installing the first insert part at 306 may be performedbefore or after operatively positioning the second insert part withrespect to the first insert part at 302. In some methods, operativelypositioning the second insert part at 302 may include installing thesecond insert part in the respective bore such that at least a portionof a second neck (e.g., second neck 78) of the second insert part ispositioned within the bore.

In some methods, installing the first insert part in the bore at 306 maybe performed prior to operatively positioning the second insert partwith respect to the first insert part at 302 (e.g., the first insertpart may be positioned within the bore and then the second insert partmay be positioned within the bore). For example, installing the firstinsert part at 306 may include positioning the first insert part withinthe bore such that a first flange (e.g., first flange 58) of the firstinsert part is positioned adjacent a skin of the sandwich panel (e.g.,first skin 16 or second skin 18), such that the first neck extends intothe bore from within the bore, away from the respective panel skin. Oncethe first insert part is so positioned at 306, in some methods, thesecond insert part may be operatively positioned at 302 such that thesecond neck is positioned between the first flange of the first insertpart and a second flange (e.g. second flange 72) of the second insertpart (e.g., the second neck may extend into the bore, towards the baseof the bore and/or towards the respective panel skin).

In some methods, installing the first insert part in the bore at 306 maybe performed after operatively positioning the second insert part withrespect to the first insert part at 302 (e.g., the second part may beoperatively positioned at 302, such as positioned at least partiallyonto the first insert part, and then the assembly of the first insertpart and the second insert part may together be installed into the boreof the sandwich panel at 303). In some methods, operatively positioningthe second insert part with respect to the first insert part at 302 mayinclude positioning the second insert part such that a second hole(e.g., second hole 80) of the second insert part is at leastsubstantially concentric with a first hole (e.g., first hole 66) of thefirst insert part.

Adjusting the height of the threaded adjustable-height insert at 304 mayinclude adjusting the height until a second upper surface of the secondflange (e.g., second upper surface 74 of second flange 72) of the secondinsert part is at least substantially flush with an outer surface of thesandwich panel (e.g., first outer panel surface 31 or second outer panelsurface 35). Adjusting the height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert at 304 may include pressing the second flange of the secondinsert part towards the first flange of the first insert part. Forexample, a force may be applied to the second insert part (e.g., to asecond upper surface, such as second upper surface 74, of the secondflange of the second insert part) such that the second insert part ismoved (e.g., longitudinally translated and/or rotated) with respect tothe first insert part, and the second flange moves towards the firstflange, thereby reducing an overall height of the threadedadjustable-height insert. In some methods 300, pressing the secondflange of the second insert part towards the first flange of the firstinsert part may include moving the second neck of the second insert partwith respect to and towards the first flange of the first insert part.

In some methods 300, adjusting the height of the threadedadjustable-height insert at 304 may include longitudinally sliding thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part at 308,rotating the second insert part with respect to the first insert part at310, radially expanding a portion of the second insert part at 312,and/or preventing rotation of the first insert part with respect to thebore at 314. For example, longitudinally sliding the second insert partwith respect to the first insert part at 308 may include positioning therespective parts such that first thread engagement clips (e.g., firstthread engagement clips 108) of the first insert part are slid withinlongitudinally-extending slots (e.g., longitudinally-extending slots112) of the second insert part. In other examples, longitudinallysliding the second insert part with respect to the first insert part at308 may include ratcheting second thread engagement clips (e.g., secondthread engagement clips 110) of the second insert part along and overrespective threads of a first threaded portion (e.g., first threadedportion 104) of the first insert part. Radially expanding a portion ofthe second insert part at 312 may include forcing a portion of thesecond insert part, such as one or more radially-expandable tabs (e.g.,radially-expandable tabs 114), to temporarily expand each time a secondthread engagement clip 110 is passed over a respective thread of thefirst threaded portion, thereby allowing the second insert part to belongitudinally translated with respect to the first insert part.

Rotating the second insert part with respect to the first insert part at310 may include engaging first thread engagement clips with a secondthreaded portion (e.g., second threaded portion 106) of the secondinsert part, such that as the second insert part is rotated, the firstthread engagement clips travel along the second threaded portion,thereby resulting in a threaded engagement between the first insert partand the second insert part. Alternatively, rotating the second insertpart with respect to the first insert part at 310 may include engagingsecond thread engagement clips of the second insert part with the firstthreaded portion of the first insert part, such that as the secondinsert part is rotated, the second thread engagement clips travel alongthe first threaded portion, thereby resulting in a threaded engagementbetween the first insert part and the second insert part. In some suchmethods 300, preventing rotation of the first insert part with respectto the bore while the second insert part is rotated with respect to thefirst part at 314 may include inserting a tool into a second hole (e.g.,second hole 80) and a first hole (e.g., first hole 66) of the threadedadjustable-height insert (wherein said first hole and second hole may besubstantially concentric when the second insert part is operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part). Said tool may engagelongitudinally-extending channels (e.g., longitudinally-extendingchannels 116) formed in the inner surface of the first insert part(e.g., first inner surface 68 of first neck 64 of first insert part 52)to substantially prevent rotation of the first insert part with respectto the bore.

Some methods 300 may include forming at least one bore in a sandwichpanel at 316. Forming a bore at 316 may include forming a plurality ofbores in a given sandwich panel. Forming a bore at 316 may includeforming a bore that extends through one or both of a first skin (e.g.first skin 16) and a second skin (e.g. second skin 18) of the sandwichpanel, as well as through at least a portion of a core (e.g. core 14) ofthe sandwich panel. In some methods 300, forming at least one bore at316 may be automated. Forming at least one bore at 316 may includeforming at least one blind bore (e.g., a bore that extends through onlyone skin and only partially through the core of the sandwich panel)and/or may include forming at least one through bore (e.g., a bore thatextends through both skins and through the entire core of the sandwichpanel). Forming at least one bore at 316 may include drilling, milling,and/or punching in some methods 300. In some methods 300, forming atleast one bore at 316 may include forming at least one bore having acircular cross-sectional area. Additionally or alternatively, forming atleast one bore at 316 may include forming at least one bore having anon-circular cross-sectional area, such as at least one bore having apolygonal, elliptical, and/or irregularly-shaped cross-sectional area.

Methods 300 may include injecting a potting compound or other adhesiveat 318 into a space (e.g., space 98) between the bore and the threadedadjustable-height insert. Injecting the potting compound at 318 may beperformed after the threaded adjustable-height insert is positionedwithin the bore (e.g., after the second insert part is operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part) and after the heightof the threaded adjustable-height insert has been adjusted. For example,potting compound may be injected through one or more vents (e.g., vents118) formed in the second insert part, such that potting compound isplaced within the bore, adjacent the second neck of the second insertpart. Injecting potting compound at 318 may include injecting a pottingcompound, injecting a quick-cure adhesive, injecting a UV-cure adhesive,and/or injecting any other compound configured to increase security ofthe threaded adjustable-height insert within the bore. In some methods300, injecting a potting compound at 318 may include injecting a pottingcompound such that it is adjacent an anti-rotation feature (e.g.,anti-rotation feature 96) of the threaded adjustable-height insert, suchas adjacent a textured outer surface of the second neck (e.g., secondouter surface 100 of second neck 78).

Additionally or alternatively, methods 300 may include inserting asecondary object (e.g., secondary object 92) at 320 through the threadedadjustable-height insert (e.g., through the first hole and the secondhole of the threaded adjustable-height insert). The secondary object mayinclude a fastener, a bolt, a pin, a wire, and/or any object orstructure that may be configured to transfer a localized load to thesandwich panel via the threaded adjustable-height insert.

Any number of threaded adjustable-height inserts may be installed in agiven sandwich panel in methods 300 according to the present disclosure.In some methods 300, the threaded adjustable-height inserts may beconfigured for tool-less installations (e.g., the inserts may beinstalled at 303, their height adjusted at 304, and/or the second insertpart may be operatively positioned at 302 without requiring the use oftools). In some methods, operatively positioning the second insert partat 302, installing the threaded adjustable-height insert at 303 and/oradjusting the height of the threaded adjustable-height insert at 304 maybe automated. In some methods 300, at least one threadedadjustable-height insert may be installed adjacent one side of asandwich panel (e.g., adjacent the first skin), and at least onethreaded adjustable-height insert may be installed adjacent the oppositeside of the sandwich panel (e.g., adjacent the second skin). In somemethods 300, a plurality of threaded adjustable-height inserts may beinstalled via just one side of a sandwich panel, and the heights of theinserts may be adjusted without requiring access to the opposite side ofthe sandwich panel. In some methods 300, a plurality of sizes ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts may be installed such that they areflush within a larger plurality of sizes of bores (e.g., bores ofvarying depths).

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifyingan action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or morecomponents or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specificaction, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct orindirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or morecomponents of, the apparatus.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matteraccording to the present disclosure are described in the followingenumerated paragraphs:

A1. A threaded adjustable-height insert, comprising:

a first insert part, comprising:

-   -   a first flange having a first upper surface and a first lower        surface;    -   a first neck extending from the first upper surface of the first        flange to a first neck end region; and    -   a first hole extending at least through the first neck and        defined at least partially by a first inner surface of the first        neck, wherein the first neck comprises a first outer surface        opposite the first inner surface; and

a second insert part, comprising:

-   -   a second flange having a second upper surface and a second lower        surface;    -   a second neck extending from the second lower surface of the        second flange to a second neck end region; and    -   a second hole extending through the second neck and the second        flange, wherein the second hole is partially defined by a second        inner surface of the second neck, and wherein the second neck        comprises a second outer surface opposite the second inner        surface;

wherein the second insert part is configured to be selectivelyoperatively positioned with respect to the first insert part such thatat least a portion of the second inner surface of the second neck has athreaded engagement with at least a portion of the first neck, whereinthe threaded adjustable-height insert is configured to have aselectively adjustable overall height such that moving the second insertpart with respect to the first insert part such that the second flangeis moved towards the first flange reduces the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert, wherein the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert is defined as the perpendiculardistance between the second upper surface of the second flange and thefirst lower surface of the first flange, and wherein the first hole andthe second hole are at least substantially concentric when the secondinsert part is operatively positioned with respect to the first insertpart.

A1.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A1, wherein atleast a portion of the second inner surface of the second neck has athreaded engagement with at least a portion of the first outer surfaceof the first neck.

A2. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A1 or A1.1,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured to receive asecondary object within the first hole and the second hole, thesecondary object being configured to transfer a localized load to asandwich panel in which the threaded adjustable-height insert isinstalled, via the threaded adjustable-height insert.

A3. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A2,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured to beinstalled in a bore of a/the sandwich panel, the sandwich panelcomprising a first skin, a second skin opposite the first skin, and acore therebetween.

A4. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A3,further comprising an anti-rotation feature configured to resistrotation of at least a portion of the threaded adjustable-height insertwith respect to a/the sandwich panel once the adjustable-height insertis inserted in the sandwich panel and/or once a potting compound isinjected into a/the bore of the sandwich panel adjacent the threadedadjustable-height insert.

A5. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A4, wherein theanti-rotation feature comprises a textured surface.

A6. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A5, wherein thesecond insert part includes the textured surface.

A7. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A6, wherein thetextured surface forms at least a portion of the second neck of thesecond insert part.

A8. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A4-A7,wherein the anti-rotation feature is configured to engage the pottingcompound injected into the bore of the sandwich panel in which thethreaded adjustable-height insert is configured to be installed.

A9. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A4-A8,wherein the anti-rotation feature is configured to engage a/the core ofthe sandwich panel.

A10. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A4-A9,wherein the anti-rotation feature comprises a plurality of projectionsradially extending from a peripheral edge region of the first flange.

A10.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A4-A9,wherein the anti-rotation feature is configured to resist rotation ofthe first insert part with respect to the sandwich panel, as the secondinsert part is rotated with respect to the first insert part.

A11. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A10.1, wherein the first hole extends through the first flange.

A12. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A11,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe second upper surface of the second flange is at least substantiallyflush with one of a/the first skin and a/the second skin of a/thesandwich panel when the second insert part is operatively positionedwith respect to the first insert part and the threaded adjustable-heightinsert is installed in a/the bore of the sandwich panel.

A13. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A12,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured to at leastsubstantially maintain its overall height, once adjusted such that thesecond upper surface of the second flange is at least substantiallyflush with a/the sandwich panel when the second insert part isoperatively positioned with respect to the first insert part and thethreaded adjustable-height insert is installed in a/the bore of thesandwich panel.

A14. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A13,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert isadjustable once the first insert part and the second insert part are atleast partially inserted into a/the bore of a/the sandwich panel.

A15. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A14,wherein the first insert part and the second insert part are polymeric.

A16. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A15,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable between a minimum height and a maximumheight, and wherein the difference between the minimum height and themaximum height is at least 0.05 inches (in) (1.27 millimeters (mm)), atleast 0.10 in (2.54 mm), at least 0.15 in (3.81 mm), at least 0.20 in(5.08 mm), at least 0.30 in (7.62 mm), at least 0.40 in (10.16 mm), atleast 0.5 in (12.7 mm), at least 0.6 in (15.24 mm), at least 0.7 in(17.78 mm), at least 0.8 in (20.32 mm), at least 0.9 in (22.86 mm),and/or at least 1.0 in (25.4 mm).

A17. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A16,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable between a/the minimum height and a/themaximum height, and wherein the difference between the minimum heightand the maximum height is at least 10% of the maximum height, at least15% of the maximum height, at least 20% of the maximum height, at least25% of the maximum height, at least 30% of the maximum height, at least35% of the maximum height, at least 40% of the maximum height, at least45% of the maximum height, and/or at least 50% of the maximum height.

A18. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A17,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable via applying a force to the secondinsert part, thereby moving the second flange towards the first flange.

A19. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A18,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable via longitudinal movement of the secondinsert part with respect to the first insert part.

A20. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A19,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe first insert part and the second insert part are slidably engagedwith one another, and wherein the overall height is adjustable bylongitudinally sliding the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part.

A21. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A20,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable via radial movement of the secondinsert part with respect to the first insert part.

A22. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A21,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable by rotating the second insert part withrespect to the first insert part.

A23. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A22,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable by expanding a portion of the secondinsert part.

A24. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A23,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatthe overall height is adjustable without requiring access to the firstflange of the first insert part.

A25. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A24,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured to beinserted into a/the sandwich panel when only one of a/the first skin anda/the second skin is accessible.

A26. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A25,wherein a first diameter of the second flange, adjacent the second uppersurface, is approximately equal to a bore diameter of a/the bore ina/the sandwich panel.

A26.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A26, wherein a/the first diameter of the second flange, adjacent thesecond upper surface, is slightly smaller than a/the bore diameter ofa/the bore in a/the sandwich panel.

A27. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A26.1, wherein the first outer surface of the first neck comprises afirst threaded portion.

A28. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A27,wherein the first outer surface of the first neck is threaded alongsubstantially its entire length.

A29. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A28,wherein the first outer surface of the first neck is threaded with adouble threaded pitch.

A30. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A29,wherein the second inner surface of the second neck comprises a secondthreaded portion.

A31. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A30,wherein the second inner surface of the second neck is threaded alongsubstantially its entire length.

A32. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A31,wherein the second inner surface of the second neck is threaded with adouble threaded pitch.

A33. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A32,wherein the first outer surface of the first neck comprises one or morefirst thread engagement clips configured to engage the second innersurface of the second neck.

A34. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A33, wherein theone or more first thread engagement clips are spaced apart,substantially equidistantly, about the first outer surface of the firstneck.

A35. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A33 or A34,wherein the one or more first thread engagement clips are positionedadjacent the first neck end region.

A36. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A33-A35,wherein the one or more first thread engagement clips project radiallyoutward from the first outer surface of the first neck.

A37. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A33-A36,wherein each of the one or more first thread engagement clips comprise apartial thread.

A37.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA33-A37, wherein each of the one or more first thread engagement clipsis configured to engage a/the second threaded portion of the secondneck.

A38. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A37.1, wherein the second inner surface of the second neck comprisesone or more second thread engagement clips configured to engage thefirst outer surface of the first neck.

A38.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A38, whereineach of the one or more second thread engagement clips is configured toengage a/the first threaded portion of the first neck.

A39. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A38 or A38.1,wherein the one or more second thread engagement clips are spaced apart,substantially equidistantly, about the second inner surface of thesecond neck.

A40. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A38-A39,wherein the one or more second thread engagement clips are positionedadjacent the second neck end region.

A41. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A38-A40,wherein the one or more second thread engagement clips project radiallyinward from the second inner surface of the second neck.

A42. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A38-A41,wherein each of the one or more second thread engagement clips comprisesa partial thread.

A42.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA38-A42, wherein each of the one or more second thread engagement clipsis configured to engage a/the second threaded portion of the second necksuch that rotation of the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part causes the thread engagement clips to travel along thesecond threaded portion.

A43. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A42.1, wherein the second neck comprises one or morelongitudinally-extending slots.

A44. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A43, wherein atleast one of the one or more longitudinally-extending slots is formedthrough the entire thickness of the second neck, from the second outersurface of the second neck to the second inner surface of the secondneck.

A45. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A43 or A44,wherein at least one of the one or more longitudinally-extending slotsis formed through a portion of the thickness of the second neck.

A46. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A43-A45,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending slots are configured toallow radial expansion of at least a portion of the second neck.

A47. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A43-A46,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending slots are spacedrelative to one another so as to form one or more pairs oflongitudinally-extending slots, such that a radially-expandable tab isformed between each respective adjacent pair of longitudinally-extendingslots.

A48. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A47, whereineach radially-expandable tab comprises a respective second threadengagement clip positioned on the respective portion of the second innersurface of the second neck corresponding to each radially-expandabletab.

A49. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A48, wherein thesecond insert part is configured to be operatively positioned withrespect to the first insert part by radially expanding each of the oneor more radially-expandable tabs such that the second thread engagementclips are longitudinally passed over one or more threads of a/the firstthreaded portion of the first insert part, when the second insert partis operatively positioned with respect to the first insert part, and asthe second insert part is longitudinally moved with respect to the firstinsert part.

A49.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A48 or A49,wherein the second thread engagement clips are configured to grip a/thefirst threaded portion of the first insert part when the second insertpart is operatively positioned with respect to the first insert part.

A49.2. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA47-A49.1, wherein the second insert part is configured to belongitudinally moved with respect to the first insert part by radiallyexpanding the radially-expandable tabs and ratcheting the second threadengagement clips along a/the first threaded portion.

A50. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA43-A49.1, wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending slots areformed in a/the second threaded portion of the second inner surface ofthe second neck, such that the second threaded portion is discontinuousat each of the one or more longitudinally-extending slots.

A50.1. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A50, whereineach of the longitudinally-extending slots is configured to receive arespective first thread engagement clip positioned on the first outersurface of the first neck of the first insert part, such that each firstthread engagement clip is configured to slide longitudinally along arespective longitudinally-extending slot when the second insert part isoperatively positioned with respect to the first insert part.

A51. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA43-A50.1, wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending slots extendlongitudinally from the second end region of the second neck towards thesecond flange, along at least a portion of the length of the secondneck.

A52. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A43-A51,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending slots extendlongitudinally from the second end region of the second neck to adjacentthe second flange.

A53. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A52,wherein the first neck comprises one or more longitudinally-extendingchannels.

A54. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A53, wherein theone or more longitudinally-extending channels extend from the first endregion of the first neck of the first insert part towards the firstflange of the first insert part.

A55. The threaded adjustable-height insert of paragraph A53 or A54,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are formedradially outward from the first inner surface of the first neck of thefirst insert part.

A56. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A53-A55,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are spacedapart from one another, substantially equidistantly, about the firstinner surface of the first neck.

A57. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A53-A56,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are staggeredwith respect to one or more first thread engagement clips positioned onthe first outer surface of the first neck.

A58. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A53-A57,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are configuredto engage a tool that is configured to substantially prevent rotation ofthe first insert part as the second insert part is rotated with respectto the first insert part, when the second insert part is operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part.

A59. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A53-A58,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are accessiblevia the second hole of the second insert part when the second insertpart is operatively positioned with respect to the first insert part.

A60. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A53-A59,wherein the one or more longitudinally-extending channels are accessiblevia the first hole of the first insert part.

A61. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A60,wherein the first insert part and the second insert part are slidablytranslatable and rotatable relative to each other.

A62. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A61,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatlongitudinally sliding the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part such that the second flange is moved towards the firstflange reduces the overall height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert.

A63. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A62,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatselectively rotating the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part adjusts the overall height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert.

A64. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A63,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatselectively rotating the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part in a first direction reduces the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert, and such that selectively rotatingthe second insert part with respect to the first insert part in a seconddirection increases the overall height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

A65. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A64,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatlongitudinally sliding the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part coarsely adjusts the overall height of the threadedadjustable-height insert.

A66. The threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A65,wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured such thatrotating the second insert part with respect to the first insert partfinely adjusts the overall height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert.

B1. A sandwich panel, comprising:

a first skin having a first inner surface and a first outer surfaceopposite the first inner surface;

a second skin opposite the first skin, the second skin having a secondinner surface and a second outer surface opposite the second innersurface, and the first outer surface and the second outer surface facingaway from one another;

a core sandwiched between the first inner surface of the first skin andthe second inner surface of the second skin;

at least one bore formed in at least one of the first skin and thesecond skin, and extending into the core; and

at least one threaded adjustable-height insert, each threadedadjustable-height insert of the at least one threaded adjustable-heightinserts being the threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A66, installed in a respective bore of the at least one bores of thesandwich panel.

B1.1. The sandwich panel of paragraph B1, wherein at least one of the atleast one bores is formed in the first skin and extends into the coretowards the second skin.

B1.2. The sandwich panel of paragraph B1 or B1.1, wherein at least oneof the at least one bores is formed in the second skin and extends intothe core towards the first skin.

B2. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B1.2, wherein the atleast one threaded adjustable-height insert comprises a plurality ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts, wherein each threadedadjustable-height insert of the plurality of threaded adjustable-heightinserts is installed in a respective one of the at least one bores.

B3. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B2, wherein the corecomprises one or more of foam, aluminum, Nomex® (aramid), carbon, Korex,Kevlar®, fiberglass, polyethersulfone, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane,polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, balsa wood, syntactic foam, ahoneycomb structure, a polymer honeycomb, a thermoplastic honeycomb,stainless steel, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

B4. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B3, wherein the firstskin comprises one or more of a laminate of fiber-reinforced polymer, athermoset polymer, an epoxy, sheet metal, carbon, aramid, aluminum,steel, plywood, balsa, teak, and hardwood.

B5. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B4, wherein the secondskin comprises one or more of a laminate of fiber-reinforced polymer, athermoset polymer, an epoxy, sheet metal, carbon, aramid, aluminum,steel, plywood, balsa, teak, and hardwood.

B6. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B5, wherein the sandwichpanel comprises a composite panel.

B7. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein the corecomprises a honeycomb core.

B8. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B7, wherein the corecomprises a closed-cell structure.

B9. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B8, wherein the corecomprises an open-cell structure.

B10. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B9, wherein an opposingend of at least one of the at least one threaded adjustable-heightinserts is embedded within the core of the sandwich panel.

B11. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B10, wherein the secondupper surface of the second flange of at least one of the at least onethreaded adjustable-height inserts is at least substantially flush withthe first outer surface of the first skin.

B11.1. The sandwich panel of paragraph B11, wherein the first lowersurface of the first flange of at least one of the at least one threadedadjustable-height inserts is at least substantially flush with thesecond outer surface of the second skin.

B12. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B11.1, wherein thesecond upper surface of the second flange of at least one of the atleast one threaded adjustable-height inserts is at least substantiallyflush with the second outer surface of the second skin.

B12.1. The sandwich panel of paragraph B12, wherein the first lowersurface of the first flange of at least one of the at least one threadedadjustable-height inserts is at least substantially flush with the firstouter surface of the first skin.

B13. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B12.1, wherein the atleast one bore comprises a plurality of bores, each respective bore ofthe plurality of bores extending from at least one of the first skin andthe second skin, and into the core, wherein the at least one threadedadjustable-height insert comprises a plurality of threadedadjustable-height inserts, and wherein at least one of the plurality ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts is installed within each respectivebore of the plurality of bores.

B14. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B13, wherein each boreof the at least one bores comprises a substantially cylindrical boreformed at least partly through the core.

B15. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B14, further comprisingone or more of a potting compound, a quick cure compound, and a UV-curecompound inserted between the core of the sandwich panel and the secondneck of at least one of the at least one threaded adjustable-heightinserts.

B16. The sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B15, further comprisingone or more of a/the potting compound, a/the quick cure compound, anda/the UV-cure compound inserted between the core of the sandwich paneland a/the anti-rotation feature of at least one of the at least onethreaded adjustable-height inserts.

C1. An apparatus including at least one sandwich panel according to anyof paragraphs B1-B16.

C2. The apparatus of paragraph C1, wherein the apparatus comprises oneor more of an aircraft, a satellite, an antenna, a transit vehicle, ashipping container, an automobile, and a shelter.

C3. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C1-C2, wherein the sandwich panelforms a portion of one or more of a floor, a galley, an interior mainstructure, a secondary structure, an interior wall, a stow bin, anoverhead compartment, a lavatory, a capsule panel, a nose cone, aninstrumentation enclosure, a bulkhead panel, a curtain wall, apartition, and a divider panel in the apparatus.

D1. A method of installing a threaded adjustable-height insert into asandwich panel, the method comprising:

installing at least one threaded adjustable-height insert of any ofparagraphs A1-A66 into a respective one of at least one bores in thesandwich panel such that at least a portion of the first neck and atleast a portion of the second neck of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert are positioned within the respective bore in a core of thesandwich panel; and

adjusting a height of the threaded adjustable-height insert until thesecond upper surface of the second flange is at least substantiallyflush with an outer surface of the sandwich panel.

D1.1 The method of paragraph D1, further comprising forming the at leastone bore in the sandwich panel, the sandwich panel having a first skinhaving a first inner surface and an opposite first outer surface, asecond skin opposite the first skin, the second skin having a secondinner surface and an opposite second outer surface, the first outersurface and the second outer surface facing away from one another, andthe core being sandwiched between the first inner surface of the firstskin and the second inner surface of the second skin, wherein theforming the at least one bore comprises forming at least one bore suchthat it extends through at least one of the first skin and the secondskin, and into the core.

D1.2. The method of paragraph D1.1, wherein the forming the at least onebore in the sandwich panel is automated.

D2. The method of paragraph D1.1 or D1.2, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises forming at least one blind bore that extendsonly partially into a thickness of the core of the sandwich panel.

D3. The method of any of paragraphs D1.1-D2, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises forming a plurality of blind bores in thesandwich panel.

D4. The method of any of paragraphs D1.1-D3, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises forming at least one through-bore that extendsthrough the first skin, the second skin, and a/the thickness of the coreof the sandwich panel.

D5. The method of any of paragraphs D1.1-D4, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises one or more of drilling, milling, and punching.

D6. The method of any of paragraphs D1.1-D5, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises forming at least one circular bore through atleast a portion of a/the thickness of the core of the sandwich panel.

D7. The method of any of paragraphs D1.1-D6, wherein the forming the atleast one bore comprises forming a plurality of bores, and wherein theinstalling at least one threaded adjustable-height insert comprisesinstalling a plurality of threaded adjustable-height inserts, eachrespective threaded adjustable-height insert of the plurality ofthreaded adjustable-height inserts being installed into a respectivebore of the plurality of bores.

D8. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D7, further comprising insertingat least one secondary object within the respective first hole andsecond hole of a respective threaded adjustable-height insert of the atleast one threaded adjustable-height inserts, the at least one secondaryobject being configured to transfer a localized load to the sandwichpanel via the threaded adjustable-height insert.

D9. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D8, further comprising injectingone or more of a potting compound, a quick-cure adhesive, and a UV-cureadhesive into a space between the second neck of the threadedadjustable-height insert and the core of the sandwich panel, inside therespective bore.

D9.1. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D9, comprising injecting one ormore of a/the potting compound, a/the quick-cure adhesive, and a/theUV-cure adhesive into a respective one of the at least one bores,adjacent a/the anti-rotation feature of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert.

D10. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D9.1, wherein the installing theat least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respective oneof the at least one bores is automated.

D11. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D10, wherein the installing theat least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respective oneof the at least one bores comprises operatively positioning the secondinsert part with respect to the first insert part.

D11.1. The method of paragraph D11, wherein the installing the at leastone threaded adjustable-height insert comprises first inserting thefirst insert part into the respective bore and then inserting the secondinsert part into the respective bore such that the second inner surfaceof the second neck is at least partially positioned on the first outersurface of the first neck.

D12. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D11.1, wherein the installingthe at least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respectiveone of the at least one bores comprises inserting the second insert partwith respect to the first insert part such that the first hole and thesecond hole are substantially concentric.

D13. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D12, wherein the installing theat least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respective oneof the at least one bores comprises positioning the first flangeadjacent a base of the bore, such that the first neck extends into thebore from within the bore.

D13.1. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D13, wherein the installingthe at least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respectiveone of the at least one bores comprises positioning the first flangeadjacent a/the first skin or a/the second skin of the sandwich panel,such that the first neck extends into the bore and towards the other ofthe first skin and the second skin.

D14. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D13.1, wherein the installingthe at least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respectiveone of the at least one bores comprises positioning the second insertpart such that the second neck is positioned between the first flange ofthe first insert part and the second flange of the second insert part.

D15. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D14, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises adjusting theheight of the adjustable-height insert until the second upper surface ofthe second flange is at least substantially flush with an outer surfaceof one of a/the first skin and a/the second skin of the sandwich panel.

D16. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D15, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises moving thesecond flange with respect to and towards the first flange.

D17. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D16, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises moving thesecond neck with respect to and towards the first flange.

D18. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D17, wherein the adjusting theheight of the adjustable-height insert comprises engaging a threadedengagement between the first neck and the second neck.

D19. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D18, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises reducing anoverall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert.

D20. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D19, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises rotating thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part.

D20.1. The method of paragraph D20, wherein the rotating the secondinsert part with respect to the first insert part finely adjusts theoverall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert.

D21. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D20.1, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises longitudinallysliding the second insert part with respect to the first insert part.

D21.1. The method of paragraph D21, wherein the longitudinally slidingthe second insert part with respect to the first insert part coarselyadjusts the overall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert.

D22. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D21.1, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises substantiallypreventing rotation of the first insert part while the second insertpart is rotated with respect to the first insert part.

D23. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D22, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises sliding a/thefirst thread engagement clip of the first insert part along a/thelongitudinally-extending slot within the second neck of the secondinsert part.

D24. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D23, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises rotating thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part such that a/thefirst thread engagement clip of the first insert part engages a/thesecond threaded portion within the second neck of the second insertpart.

D25. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D24, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises rotating thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part such that a/thesecond thread engagement clip of the second insert part engages a/thefirst threaded portion on the first neck of the first insert part.

D26. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D25, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises radiallyexpanding one or more radially-expandable tabs of the second insert partsuch that (the) second thread engagement clips are longitudinally passedover a/the first threaded portion of the first insert part.

D27. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D26, wherein the installing atleast one threaded adjustable-height insert comprises operativelypositioning the second insert part with respect to the first insertpart.

D28. The method of paragraph D27, wherein the operatively positioningthe second insert part with respect to the first insert part comprisespositioning the second insert part such that the second inner surface ofthe second neck of the second insert part is adjacent the first outersurface of the first neck of the first insert part.

D29. The method of paragraph D27 or D28, wherein the operativelypositioning the second insert part with respect to the first insert partcomprises first inserting the first insert part into the respective boreand then inserting the second insert part into the respective bore suchthat the second inner surface of the second neck is at least partiallypositioned on the first outer surface of the first neck.

D30. The method of any of paragraphs D27-D29, wherein the operativelypositioning the second insert part with respect to the first insert partcomprises positioning the second insert part with respect to the firstinsert part such that the first hole and the second hole aresubstantially concentric.

D31. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D30, wherein the installing theat least one threaded adjustable-height insert into the respective oneof the at least one bores comprises positioning the first flangeadjacent a/the base of the bore, such that the first neck extends intothe bore from within the bore.

D32. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D31, wherein the installing theat least one adjustable-height insert into the respective one of the atleast one bores comprises positioning the first flange adjacent a/thefirst skin or a/the second skin of the sandwich panel, such that thefirst neck extends into the bore and towards the other of the first skinand the second skin.

D33. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D32, wherein the installing theat least one adjustable-height insert into the respective one of the atleast one bores comprises positioning the second insert part such thatthe second neck is positioned between the first flange of the firstinsert part and the second flange of the second insert part.

E1. Use of the threaded adjustable-height insert of any of paragraphsA1-A66 to receive a/the secondary object within the first hole and thesecond hole of the threaded adjustable-height insert, to transfer a/thelocalized load to a/the sandwich panel via the threadedadjustable-height insert when the threaded adjustable-height insert isinstalled within the sandwich panel.

F1. Use of the sandwich panel of any of paragraphs B1-B16 to construct aportion of one or more of an aircraft, a satellite, an antenna, atransit vehicle, a shipping container, an automobile, and a shelter.

G1. A system, comprising:

a plurality of first threaded adjustable-height inserts, wherein eachfirst threaded adjustable-height insert of the plurality of firstthreaded adjustable-height inserts comprises a threadedadjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A66 having a firstminimum overall height and a first maximum overall height when therespective second insert part is operatively positioned with respect tothe respective first insert part of each respective first threadedadjustable-height insert; and

a plurality of second threaded adjustable-height inserts, wherein eachsecond threaded adjustable-height insert of the plurality of secondthreaded adjustable-height inserts comprises a threadedadjustable-height insert of any of paragraphs A1-A66 having a secondminimum overall height and a second maximum overall height when therespective second insert part is operatively positioned with respect tothe respective first insert part of each respective second threadedadjustable-height insert, wherein the second minimum overall height ofeach second threaded adjustable-height insert is greater than the firstminimum overall height of each first threaded adjustable-height insert,and wherein the second maximum overall height of each second threadedadjustable-height insert is greater than the first maximum overallheight of each first threaded adjustable-height insert.

G2. The system of paragraph G1, wherein a second adjustment range ofeach second threaded adjustable-height insert is greater than a firstadjustment range of each first threaded adjustable-height insert,wherein the second adjustment range is defined as the difference betweenthe second maximum overall height and the second minimum overall height,and wherein the first adjustment range is defined as the differencebetween the first maximum overall height and the first minimum overallheight.

G3. The system of paragraph G1 or G2, further comprising a plurality ofthird threaded adjustable-height inserts, wherein each third threadedadjustable-height insert of the plurality of third threadedadjustable-height inserts comprises a threaded adjustable-height insertof any of paragraphs A1-A66 having a third minimum overall height and athird maximum overall height when the respective second insert part isoperatively positioned with respect to the respective first insert partof each respective third threaded adjustable-height insert, wherein thethird minimum overall height of each third threaded adjustable-heightinsert is greater than the second minimum overall height of each secondthreaded adjustable-height insert, and wherein the third maximum overallheight of each third threaded adjustable-height insert is greater thanthe second maximum overall height of each second threadedadjustable-height insert.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that theelement, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intendedto perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and“configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element,component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing agiven function but that the element, component, and/or other subjectmatter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements,components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as beingadapted to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being configured to perform that function,and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as beingconfigured to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and steps of methodsdisclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses and methodsaccording to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more ofthe various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independentinventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of adisclosed apparatus or method. Accordingly, such inventive subjectmatter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatusesand methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventivesubject matter may find utility in apparatuses and/or methods that arenot expressly disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of installing a threadedadjustable-height insert into a bore formed in a sandwich panel, themethod comprising: installing a threaded adjustable-height insert intothe bore, wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises: afirst insert part comprising: a first flange having a first uppersurface and a first lower surface; a first neck extending from the firstupper surface of the first flange to a first neck end region; and afirst hole extending at least through the first neck and defined atleast partially by a first inner surface of the first neck, wherein thefirst neck comprises a first outer surface opposite the first innersurface; and a second insert part comprising: a second flange having asecond upper surface and a second lower surface; a second neck extendingfrom the second lower surface of the second flange to a second neck endregion; and a second hole extending through the second neck and thesecond flange, wherein the second hole is partially defined by a secondinner surface of the second neck, and wherein the second neck comprisesa second outer surface opposite the second inner surface; wherein thesecond insert part is configured to be selectively operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part such that the secondneck has a threaded engagement with at least a portion of the firstneck, wherein the threaded adjustable-height insert is configured tohave a selectively adjustable overall height such that moving the secondinsert part with respect to the first insert part such that the secondflange is moved towards the first flange reduces the overall height ofthe threaded adjustable-height insert, wherein the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert is defined as a perpendicular distancebetween the second upper surface of the second flange and the firstlower surface of the first flange, wherein the first hole and the secondhole are at least substantially concentric when the second insert partis operatively positioned with respect to the first insert part, andwherein the first insert part and the second insert part are configuredto both longitudinally slidably translate relative to each other androtate relative to each other when the second insert part is operativelypositioned with respect to the first insert part; and adjusting a heightof the threaded adjustable-height insert until the second upper surfaceof the second flange is at least substantially flush with an outersurface of the sandwich panel, wherein the adjusting the heightcomprises: longitudinally sliding one of the second insert part and thefirst insert part with respect to the other of the second insert partand the first insert part; and rotating one of the first insert part andthe second insert part with respect to the other of the first insertpart and the second insert part.
 2. The method according to claim 1,further comprising forming a plurality of bores in the sandwich panel,the sandwich panel having a first skin having a first inner surface andan opposite first outer surface, a second skin opposite the first skin,the second skin having a second inner surface and an opposite secondouter surface, the first outer surface of the first skin and the secondouter surface of the second skin facing away from one another, and acore sandwiched between the first inner surface of the first skin andthe second inner surface of the second skin, wherein the forming theplurality of bores comprises forming the plurality of bores such thateach bore extends through at least one of the first skin and the secondskin and into the core, and wherein the installing the threadedadjustable-height insert comprises installing a plurality of threadedadjustable-height inserts, each respective threaded adjustable-heightinsert of the plurality of threaded adjustable-height inserts beinginstalled into a respective bore of the plurality of bores.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the installing the threadedadjustable-height insert into the bore comprises positioning the firstflange adjacent a second skin of the sandwich panel, such that the firstneck extends into the bore towards a first skin of the sandwich panel,and positioning the second insert part such that the second neck ispositioned between the first flange of the first insert part and thesecond flange of the second insert part.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, wherein the installing the threaded adjustable-height insert isperformed before the adjusting the height of the threadedadjustable-height insert.
 5. The method according to claim 3, furthercomprising operatively positioning the second insert part with respectto the first insert part such that the second inner surface of thesecond neck is at least partially positioned on the first outer surfaceof the first neck and such that the first hole and the second hole aresubstantially concentric, wherein the operatively positioning isperformed before the installing the threaded adjustable-height insert inthe bore of the sandwich panel.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the installing the threaded adjustable-height insert into thebore comprises first inserting the first insert part into the bore andthen inserting the second insert part into the bore such that the secondinner surface of the second neck is at least partially positioned on thefirst outer surface of the first neck and such that the first hole andthe second hole are substantially concentric.
 7. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the adjusting the height of the threadedadjustable-height insert comprises sliding a thread engagement clip ofthe first insert part along a longitudinally-extending slot formedwithin a second threaded portion of the second inner surface of thesecond neck of the second insert part.
 8. The method according to claim7, wherein the adjusting the height of the threaded adjustable-heightinsert comprises rotating the second insert part with respect to thefirst insert part such that the thread engagement clip of the firstinsert part engages the second threaded portion within the second neckof the second insert part.
 9. The method according to claim 8, whereinthe thread engagement clip extends radially outwardly from the firstouter surface of the first neck of the first insert part.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the first neck of the first insert partcomprises a longitudinally-extending channel extending from the firstneck end region towards the first flange, wherein thelongitudinally-extending channel is formed radially outward from thefirst inner surface of the first neck towards the first outer surface ofthe first neck, wherein the longitudinally-extending channel isconfigured to engage a tool that is configured to substantially preventrotation of the first insert part as the second insert part is rotatedwith respect to the first insert part.
 11. The method according to claim10, wherein the longitudinally-extending channel comprises a pluralityof longitudinally-extending channels, wherein the thread engagement clipcomprises a plurality of thread engagement clips, and wherein eachrespective longitudinally-extending channel of the plurality oflongitudinally-extending channels is positioned to be staggered withrespect to each respective thread engagement clip of the plurality ofthread engagement clips.
 12. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising: engaging the tool with the plurality oflongitudinally-extending channels; rotating the second insert part withrespect to the first insert part while the tool is engaged with thelongitudinally-extending channels of the first insert part; andpreventing rotation of the first insert part with respect to the bore,via the tool, during the rotating the second insert part with respect tothe first insert part.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein theengaging the tool with the plurality of longitudinally-extendingchannels comprises inserting the tool through the second hole of thesecond insert part and the first hole of the first insert part to accessthe plurality of longitudinally-extending channels when the secondinsert part is operatively positioned with respect to the first insertpart.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises radiallyexpanding one or more radially-expandable tabs of the second insert partsuch that one or more thread engagement clips of the second insert partare longitudinally passed over one or more threads of a first threadedportion on the first outer surface of the first neck of the first insertpart.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the adjusting theheight of the threaded adjustable-height insert comprises rotating thesecond insert part with respect to the first insert part such that theone or more thread engagement clips of the second insert part engage thefirst threaded portion on the first outer surface of the first neck ofthe first insert part.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein thebore comprises a blind bore that extends only partially into a thicknessof a core of the sandwich panel, wherein the method further comprisesforming the blind bore in the sandwich panel, and wherein the installingthe threaded adjustable-height insert into the blind bore comprisespositioning the first flange adjacent a base of the blind bore, suchthat the first neck extends into the blind bore from within the blindbore.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprisingpreventing rotation of the first insert part with respect to the blindbore while the second insert part is operatively positioned with respectto the first insert part and rotated with respect to the first insertpart, wherein the preventing rotation of the first insert part withrespect to the blind bore comprises engaging the first insert part witha tool through the first hole of the first insert part and the secondhole of the second insert part.
 18. The method according to claim 1,wherein the longitudinally sliding the second insert part with respectto the first insert part coarsely adjusts the overall height of thethreaded adjustable-height insert, and wherein the rotating the firstinsert part with respect to the second insert part finely adjusts theoverall height of the threaded adjustable-height insert.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising inserting at least onesecondary object within the first hole and the second hole of thethreaded adjustable-height insert, the at least one secondary objectbeing configured to transfer a localized load to the sandwich panel viathe threaded adjustable-height insert.